He's the Type of Dad that...

It's not just Father's Day that gives me pause and makes me realize what an incredible Dad my children have...it happens on a daily basis. But, it feels right to use this weekend to update the Blog I've neglected for awhile. Todd and I just celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and have been together for over 18 years. When you're young and in love, decide to marry and make that huge commitment, I think that most of us are living in the moment. You may not realize that not only are you choosing a partner for yourself, but, if you decide to have children, you are also choosing a parent for your child. I didn't know 18 years ago what kind of man Todd would grow into. I didn't know what kind of parent he would be.  If I had to do it all over again, I don't think I could have chosen better - both as a partner and as a father.   I went through some of my photo archives as sometimes photos are more powerful than words.  I'll definitely have to show this to the kids during those times when teenage angst show up and they think we are making their lives difficult for no reason at all.  They'll see how wonderful their Dad is and always has been. How hard-working, selfless, loving, adoring, and in awe he is of his children.  He's all about loving and caring, protecting and guiding...So, for our three, here are some photos of you and your Dad and, for you to know...

He is the type of Dad that:

...dresses up with the kids every Halloween and may have more fun than they do.

...voluntarily receives facials from Skye's spa.

....takes a "family photo" with Greg every year.

...takes hayrides and takes turns snuggling with all 3.

...builds gingerbread houses and doesn't care about perfect construction or making messes.

...walks the kids down on Christmas morning and acts as excited and surprised as they do.

.... comforts a sad little boy following surgery.

...doesn't mind his "shadow" keeping him company during a water break.

.... loves teaching each of his kids how to play golf.

...spends a Sunday building furniture for a "big boy" room and has the patience to work with a helper.

....has wonderful role models in both his own father and mine.

...will battle Kung Fu Panda for his children.

....takes his kids on ice cream cruises.

...loves being his girls' dates for a dance.

... plays in the sand and helps to build the best sandcastle EVER!

... takes the kids in the lake so I don't have to!

...willingly poses with me for photos.

...loves Halloween!

...knows his limitations which include staying off the ice for the safety of everyone involved.

... holds up the "Bean".

... has an amazing Dad himself.  The kids can not get enough of Grandpa Harley! They love playing with him and he loves imparting his wisdom on them. We call it "Tuesdays with Tim".

...fights Brown Bears in Brown County.

...never has a bigger smile than when he's with his kids.

...continually pushes us out of our comfort zones.

... told me traveling and seeing other cultures is the best thing we can do for our children. He was right.

... offers a ride when little feet get tired.

...loves hanging out with the kids in the city.

... puts together an amazing fundraiser for one of his best friend's little boy.

...plays backyard football with the best of them.

... works so hard, day and night, to provide for our family.

... always makes me laugh.

... shows his love every day.

...puts up with my many requests for photo shoots and is always willing to help put up a backdrop.

...passionately loves his family.

... goes along with my crazy ideas. This one was for Grandpa Harley.

... loves taking the family to Hawks games.

... is always teaching strategy...even in giant checkers.

... has 3 children that love him more than anything in the world!

...cried at the birth of each of his children and beams with pride everyday.

... has the luckiest family in the world! We love you! Happy Father's Day!

And, to my Dad, thank you for being such a wonderful, caring, and generous dad. For being a picture taking, babysitting, travel loving, self-less grandpa who is both mine and his grandchildren's biggest fan. You set the bar pretty high! Happy Father's Day to Todd, my Dad, my Father-in-law Tim, and my brother, Greg. What wonderful men our children have in their lives. Wherever our kids turn, there is love.